Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 73.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,075
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,286 | $19,051 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,558 | $17,274 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $50,439 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,522 | $17,237 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $44,091 | $27,852 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,108 | $23,896 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,503 | $16,861 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,187 | $19,731 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,658 | $22,205 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $20,396 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $24,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Wayne State graduates enter the workforce with $19,000 in median debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 40% against their $47,075 median salary. Monthly loan payments of $201 represent just 5% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 97.9% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for Wayne State's education majors and other graduates. Many alumni become teachers in Nebraska's rural school districts, where starting salaries align well with their modest debt loads. Others find work in healthcare, business, and agriculture sectors across the Great Plains. The combination of affordable tuition, reasonable debt, and solid employment outcomes creates a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.