At $12,603/yr net price, Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates earn $49,500/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,500/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,603 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,500/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,500/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,751/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,700/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,021/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,676/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,307 | $22,772 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,494 | $24,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $18,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,698 | $22,525 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $26,479 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,517 | $25,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $31,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $24,936 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
42.5% of students at Wright State University-Lake Campus 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
Wright State University-Lake Campus offers decent value for students who choose their majors carefully, but the low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. With a net price around $12,600 annually, the school costs less than most four-year institutions, making it accessible for budget-conscious students.
Mechanical Engineering stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning over $64,000 while carrying typical debt loads. Nursing also delivers strong returns at nearly $58,500 in median earnings. Both programs justify the investment and align well with Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare job markets.
Business majors face a mixed picture. General Business graduates earn around $41,500, which provides reasonable returns given the lower debt levels. However, Business Administration graduates earn nearly $2,000 less while carrying higher debt, making it a weaker choice. Criminology presents the poorest ROI, with graduates earning just $32,284 while carrying $26,000 in debt.
The 42% graduation rate represents the biggest financial danger here. You face a real risk of accumulating debt without earning a degree, especially given the 65% retention rate between freshman and sophomore years. Students who struggle academically or lack strong study habits should consider community college first.
This campus works best for local students who can live at home, particularly those pursuing engineering or nursing. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests limited need-based support, so you should not expect generous aid packages. Students seeking a traditional college experience or those unsure about their major should look at schools with higher graduation rates and better support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wright State University-Lake Campus worth the cost?
Wright State University-Lake Campus offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $12,603 and manageable debt of $22,750. However, the 42.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces the investment's value.
What are the best paying programs at Wright State University-Lake Campus?
Mechanical Engineering and Nursing programs at Wright State University-Lake Campus provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $64,307 and $58,494 respectively. Business and criminal justice programs offer weaker financial outcomes, with criminology graduates earning just $32,284.
How much debt do Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates have?
Wright State University-Lake Campus graduates carry a median debt of $22,750, which is reasonable given the school's low cost. With average earnings of $49,500 after 10 years, most graduates should be able to manage this debt load.
Does Wright State University-Lake Campus have good graduation rates?
Wright State University-Lake Campus has a concerning 42.5% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degrees. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider before enrolling.