At $5,762/yr net price, Wayne County Community College District graduates earn $29,079/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,762 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,079/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,921/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,062 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,752/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,921/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,718/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,642/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,350 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,396 | $11,157 |
The Risk Factor
23.4% of students at Wayne County Community College District graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Wayne County Community College District delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median earnings of just $29,079 ten years after enrollment and a dismal 23% graduation rate, your chances of completing a program and earning decent money are both low.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable path, with graduates earning $59,350 annually. This program justifies the investment and provides clear career prospects in Detroit's healthcare market. Criminal justice and allied health programs offer modest returns around $32,925, which barely covers the opportunity cost of two years in school.
Liberal arts and general studies graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning just $25,396 while carrying $11,157 in debt. These programs offer little value in Detroit's job market, where practical skills command higher wages.
The low graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk. Nearly 8 in 10 students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The $5,762 annual net price seems affordable, but incomplete programs waste both time and money.
You should consider Wayne County Community College only if you can commit fully to the nursing program or need an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school. The college works best for local students who can live at home and minimize expenses while pursuing nursing or healthcare certifications.
Skip this school if you want general education or liberal arts training. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings outcomes makes most programs a poor investment. Look at other Michigan community colleges with stronger completion rates and job placement records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wayne County Community College District worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,762 per year and median earnings of $29,079 after 10 years, Wayne County Community College District offers decent value for the low cost. However, the 23% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Wayne County Community College District?
Nursing programs at Wayne County Community College District lead to median earnings of $59,350, making them the clear best investment. Criminal justice and allied health programs earn around $32,925, while liberal arts graduates average just $25,396.
How much student debt do Wayne County Community College District graduates have?
Wayne County Community College District graduates carry a median debt of $12,062, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for nursing graduates but more concerning for lower-paying programs.
What is the graduation rate at Wayne County Community College District?
Only 23% of students graduate from Wayne County Community College District. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor, as students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without earning a credential.