University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is a private nonprofit university in Detroit, MI ranked #124 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 2,438 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 75.4%. Students most often pursue Biology and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 875.4% first-year retention, and 67.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $15,232, about $1,766 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 5.9%, roughly 79.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $64,534. That's about $20,846 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Detroit Mercy Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Detroit Mercy graduates 67.2% of students within six years and keeps 83.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Detroit Mercy's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $32,946 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,422 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,952 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,184 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $42,211 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 26.3% of University of Detroit Mercy students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,088 to $21,691 depending on family income. Use University of Detroit Mercy's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,584/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,691/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $64,534
- 10-Year Median Earnings $64,534
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,950
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.3%
- Employment Rate 90.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Detroit Mercy graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Detroit Mercy vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Detroit Mercy's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Detroit Mercy's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $64,534 median, the 5.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-630
- SAT Math 510-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,438
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.5%
- Graduation Rate 67.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into University of Detroit Mercy
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Detroit Mercy requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 75.4%, University of Detroit Mercy is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 75.4% acceptance rate, University of Detroit Mercy is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030 and 1260 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Detroit Mercy undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 34.0%
- Biology, General 14.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.7%
- Engineering, General 4.3%
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions 4.3%
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 4.0%
See more majors
- Public Health 2.9%
- Economics 2.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Biology, General $103,618
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $79,344
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $78,552
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,162
- 5. Public Health $61,664
- 6. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $46,980
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $212,502
- 2. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $199,973
- 3. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $154,510
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $125,978
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $121,913
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $111,195
- 7. Public Health (Master's Degree) $90,097
- 8. Law (First Professional Degree) $89,281
- 9. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $78,535
- 10. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $67,135
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Biology, General grads earn $103,618—121% more than Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($46,980). Graduate: Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs lead with $212,502 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Detroit Mercy. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 219 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 192 graduates)
- Dentistry (First Professional Degree, 134 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 92 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 46 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Engineering, General
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Public Health
- Economics
- Social Work
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Civil Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Philosophy
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Education, General
- Architectural Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (20 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Security Science and Technology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Civil Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Public Health
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (6 programs)â–¼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Dentistry
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,438
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 35.9%
- Female Students 64.1%
- Caucasian 58.0%
- Asian 7.3%
- Hispanic 8.7%
- Black 11.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Detroit Mercy's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Detroit Mercy's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Detroit Mercy support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Detroit Mercy, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 64.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Detroit Mercy support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Detroit Mercy, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Detroit Mercy offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 5.9% ROI. Ranked #124 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,232 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $64,534 median earnings. With 67.2% graduating within six years and 83.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Detroit Mercy's Positioning
With a A grade and #124 ranking, University of Detroit Mercy competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,232 annually, University of Detroit Mercy charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $10,662 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 5.9% ROI and $64,534 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,232+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Detroit Mercy ranks #124 of 1942 institutions, with 155 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.2% six-year graduation rate sits 4.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.5% first-year retention is 6.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 5.9% return on investment is 79.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $64,534 run about 48% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,232 is roughly $4,786 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 26.3% trails the national share by 7.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Detroit Mercy is a private nonprofit university based in Detroit, MI and earns a A overall grade. It holds a #124 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 83.5% retention and 67.2% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 5.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,232 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $42,211.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,979 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,950 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $64,534 six years after enrollment. That sits about 48% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.5%.
Plan around an ROI of about 5.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
75.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Detroit Mercy admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Michigan campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Detroit, MI 48221-3038
- Website www.udmercy.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$95.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.9%