At $15,108/yr net price, Wayne State College graduates earn $47,075/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,075/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,108 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,075/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,075/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,461/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,502/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,607/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,749/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,721/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Wayne State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Wayne State College delivers modest financial returns with significant completion risks that limit your earning potential. The median graduate earns $47,075 after ten years, but fewer than six out of ten students actually finish their degree.
Educational Administration leads Wayne State's earnings at $55,286, making it the clear winner if you plan to work in school leadership. Business Administration follows closely at $50,558 with lower debt loads of $17,274. Information Science graduates also crack $50,000 annually. However, Student Counseling programs saddle you with $27,852 in debt for $44,091 in earnings, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio.
The 55% graduation rate represents Wayne State's biggest financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you face real chances of leaving with debt but no degree. The 73% retention rate suggests many students recognize this early and transfer elsewhere.
Wayne State works best for Nebraska residents committed to education careers who value small-town college life. The $15,108 net price keeps costs reasonable for families earning moderate incomes. You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, diverse job placement networks, or programs that command higher starting salaries.
Only 27% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition remains local. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing high-earning majors like Educational Administration or Business to justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wayne State College worth the cost compared to other Nebraska schools?
Wayne State College offers moderate value with a net price of $15,108 annually and 10-year earnings of $47,075. The relatively low debt load of $19,000 helps offset the below-average graduation rate of 56%.
What are the best paying majors at Wayne State College?
Educational Administration leads Wayne State College's earnings at $55,286, followed by Business Administration at $50,558 and Information Science at $50,439. Education and business programs generally provide the strongest return on investment at this school.
How much debt do Wayne State College graduates typically have?
Wayne State College graduates carry a median debt of $19,000, which is manageable given the school's low net price. This debt level is reasonable for most of the school's higher-paying programs.
Does Wayne State College have a good graduation rate for the money?
Wayne State College's 56% graduation rate is concerning for a school charging over $15,000 annually. Nearly half of students don't finish their degree, which significantly reduces the value proposition.