Detroit, MI · Private University
Is Wayne State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,493
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$14,297
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,419
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$121,676
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.76x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
56.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,773
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Wayne State University graduates earn $8,493 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Wayne State University ranked by graduate earnings
190 graduates
93 graduates
27 graduates
99 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Wayne State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Wayne State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $98,072) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $27,648) is $70,424/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $98,072 | 3.2x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $97,679 | 3.2x |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $94,247 | 3.1x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $94,043 | 3.1x |
| Chemical Engineering | $89,339 | 2.9x |
| Industrial Engineering(1yr data) | $77,815 | 2.6x |
| Civil Engineering | $76,871 | 2.5x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $74,781 | 2.5x |
| Economics | $73,856 | 2.4x |
| International Business | $72,684 | 2.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,571 | 2.2x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $65,563 | 2.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $62,911 | 2.1x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $62,909 | 2.1x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $62,551 | 2.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,197 | 2.0x |
| Urban Studies/Affairs | $60,709 | 2.0x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $56,255 | 1.9x |
| Marketing | $54,580 | 1.8x |
| Construction Engineering Technologies(1yr data) | $53,310 | 1.8x |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science(1yr data) | $52,829 | 1.7x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $52,584 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,227 | 1.6x |
| Journalism | $49,878 | 1.6x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $49,131 | 1.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $48,921 | 1.6x |
| History | $46,502 | 1.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,281 | 1.5x |
| Biology, General | $45,757 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $45,540 | 1.5x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $44,713 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,965 | 1.4x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $43,788 | 1.4x |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $42,960 | 1.4x |
| Sociology | $42,720 | 1.4x |
| Social Work | $41,817 | 1.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,706 | 1.4x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $40,747 | 1.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $38,783 | 1.3x |
| Public Administration(1yr data) | $38,767 | 1.3x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $38,706 | 1.3x |
| Apparel and Textiles | $37,005 | 1.2x |
| Anthropology | $36,453 | 1.2x |
| Music | $36,019 | 1.2x |
| Chemistry | $33,275 | 1.1x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $32,584 | 1.1x |
| Dance | $32,258 | 1.1x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $30,701 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $27,648 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Wayne State University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,493 10 years after starting, $8,493 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.