At $14,773/yr net price, Wayne State University graduates earn $53,493/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,493/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,773 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,493/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,493/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,337/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,560/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,864/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,189/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,543/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. | 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 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $18,750 |
The Risk Factor
56.5% of students at Wayne State University 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 University delivers solid returns for health science majors but weaker outcomes for most other programs. The $14,773 annual net price makes it affordable, but the 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees.
Nursing and pharmacy programs generate strong earnings, with registered nurses earning over $100,000 annually. However, pharmacy students graduate with $117,691 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with six-figure salaries. Mechanical engineering also pays well at $97,071, making it one of the few non-health majors with strong returns.
The biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 81% retention rate suggests many students who leave do so after their first year.
Wayne State works financially if you can gain admission to competitive health programs or engineering. Detroit's recovering job market provides opportunities for healthcare workers and engineers, but fewer prospects for liberal arts graduates. The relatively low median earnings of $53,493 reflect this reality.
You should consider Wayne State if you have clear career goals in nursing, pharmacy, or engineering and can handle the academic demands. Look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major or considering fields outside health sciences and engineering. The school offers reasonable value for focused students but limited upside for those exploring broader academic interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wayne State University worth the cost?
Wayne State offers strong value for health sciences and engineering students, with nursing and pharmacy graduates earning over $100,000 annually. However, the 56% graduation rate means significant dropout risk, and outcomes vary widely by program.
What are the best paying majors at Wayne State University?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $105,000-$119,000, followed by pharmacy at $118,922 and mechanical engineering at $97,071. These health sciences and engineering fields provide the strongest return on investment at Wayne State.
How much debt do Wayne State University students graduate with?
Wayne State graduates leave with a median debt of $21,250, which is manageable for high-earning nursing and pharmacy graduates but potentially burdensome for lower-paying majors. The relatively low net price of $14,773 per year helps keep debt reasonable.
What is the graduation rate at Wayne State University?
Only 56.5% of Wayne State students graduate, meaning nearly half drop out without a degree. This below-average completion rate represents a significant financial risk, especially for students in programs with weaker job prospects.