College Costs in Dearborn, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Dearborn, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$555
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Dearborn Overview
Population
109,976
Student Population
5,937 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Dearborn
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,868
Total After Financial Aid
$111,868
Annual Cost
$27,967
Annual After Aid
$27,967
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,868 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,270 |
| Total Interest | $40,561 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,429 |
Universities in Dearborn
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dearborn State University | Public | $14,575 |
| University of Dearborn | Public | $15,869 |
| Dearborn Community College | Community | $5,650 |
Dearborn has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dearborn vs. National Average
| Category | Dearborn | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $555 | $1,050 | -$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
Dearborn's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Dearborn
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,937 students
Dearborn has a total population of 109,976, with approximately 5,937 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Dearborn offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dearborn
$31,171
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dearborn earn a median starting salary of $31,171, which is -$3,829 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,868 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,314 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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