At $15,216/yr net price, Wright State University-Main 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) | $15,216 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,864 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,500/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,500/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| 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 | $10,987/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,722/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,828/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,191/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,250/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. | Master | $96,090 | $47,165 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $79,284 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $77,213 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $73,070 | |
| Engineering Science. | Master | $72,022 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $71,643 | $146,178 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $34,500 |
| Economics. | Master | $65,238 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,307 | $22,772 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $22,117 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Wright State University-Main 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 delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $49,500 ten years after graduation barely justifying the investment given the poor graduation rate of 46%. Your chances of completing your degree are coin-flip odds, creating substantial financial risk.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, producing graduates earning $96,000 annually despite higher debt loads. Engineering majors also perform well, with electrical and mechanical engineering graduates earning in the high $70,000s. These technical programs represent your best bet for strong returns at Wright State.
The university's low retention rate of 63% signals systemic problems that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree while carrying debt. You face a significant chance of paying for college without getting the credential that makes it worthwhile.
Wright State works financially if you can get into nursing or engineering and have strong confidence in your ability to persist through graduation. The relatively low net price of $15,200 helps, but only if you actually finish. Students considering liberal arts or general business programs should look elsewhere, as these fields show weaker earning potential at this institution.
The modest percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond standard federal programs. Your strategy should focus on minimizing debt and maximizing your completion odds rather than expecting significant merit scholarships. Choose Wright State only if you have a clear path through one of the higher-earning programs and realistic assessment of your likelihood to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wright State University-Main Campus worth the cost?
Wright State offers decent value with a net price of $15,216 and median debt of $22,750, but the 45.9% graduation rate creates significant risk. The return depends heavily on your major, with nursing and engineering programs showing strong earnings while general business graduates earn less.
What are the highest paying majors at Wright State University-Main Campus?
Nursing programs lead with $96,090 median earnings, followed by electrical engineering at $79,284 and mechanical engineering at $77,213. These programs justify the cost better than general business, which pays $73,070.
How much debt do Wright State University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $22,750, which is manageable for nursing and engineering graduates but could strain repayment for lower-earning majors. With nearly half of students not graduating, debt without a degree is a real concern.
Does Wright State University-Main Campus have good job outcomes?
Graduates earn $49,500 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for the debt load in high-paying programs. However, the 45.9% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their degree, making the investment risky.