Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan · Public · 81.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 61/100 · Fair Value
Wayne State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,190/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $32,037/yr |
| Average net price | $12,766/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $51,064 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,493 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $225 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 58.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,587 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,090 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,721 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,068 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,828 |
| $110,001+ | $19,862 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Wayne State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $52,435 | D |
| Public Health | $55,302 | C |
| Human Resources Management | $61,121 | C+ |
| Marketing | $67,504 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $84,405 | B |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $104,630 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $74,703 | B |
| Accounting | $73,940 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,423 | D |
| Biology | $50,811 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Wayne State University is $15,190/year ($32,037/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,766/year, or roughly $51,064 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,090/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,862/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $225 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,493 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 51.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 57.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 45.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 49.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 81.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 23-29 |
| Enrollment | 15,587 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 45.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,166 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne State University (this school) | 61 | $12,766 | $53,493 |
| Rowan University | 66 | $22,408 | $59,988 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | 64 | $5,127 | $49,365 |
| University of Louisville | 58 | $17,988 | $53,899 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Wayne State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $12,766 per year leads to $51,064 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $53,493 a decade out. The payback period of 10.3 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,250 against $53,493 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.