Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.5%
- Retention Rate
- 81.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $53,493
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,061 | $63,837 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,922 | $117,691 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,465 | $50,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,037 | $70,614 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,079 | $36,424 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,473 | $23,182 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,401 | $21,126 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $23,167 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $18,750 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $26,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,921 | $22,500 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $72,899 |
Outcomes Overview
Wayne State graduates earn a median salary of $53,493 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 40% with typical debt loads of $21,250. Monthly loan payments of $225 consume about 5% of gross monthly income, which sits below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong connections to Detroit's healthcare systems and automotive industry help explain the solid 94.3% employment rate. Many graduates enter fields like medicine, engineering, and social work where Wayne State's reputation carries weight in Michigan. With relatively manageable debt loads and decent earning potential in a low-cost city, Wayne State delivers an average return on investment for students committed to staying in the Detroit region.