Wayne State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$57,188
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,207/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
257%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Wayne State University's in-state tuition costs $14,297 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $50,183. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $45,207, but increase to $53,493 ten years after graduation. The median debt for Wayne State graduates is $21,250.
The debt-to-income ratio for Wayne State graduates is approximately 0.42, calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,250 by the one-year earnings of $50,183. This ratio suggests a manageable level of debt relative to early career earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year. The difference between the one-year earnings of $50,183 and the annual tuition cost of $14,297 is $35,886, indicating a quick return on investment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,297
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,207
Graduation Rate
58%
Receive Financial Aid
40%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | $54,031 | 566% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $103,924 | 2310% |
| Psychology, General | $45,540 | 269% |
| Medicine | $102,083 | 2246% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $125,166 | 3053% |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $98,072 | 2106% |
| International Business | $72,684 | 1218% |
| Biology, General | $45,757 | 276% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $53,561 | 549% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $56,255 | 643% |
| Library Science and Administration | $51,358 | 472% |
Peer Comparison
257%
20yr ROI
531%
20yr ROI
428%
20yr ROI
484%
20yr ROI
453%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.