Wayne State College delivers exceptional value through its combination of very affordable net prices and reliable post-graduation outcomes for students across all income levels.
Graduates consistently manage their debt well, with zero defaults and faster-than-average loan repayment, reflecting the practical, career-focused education the college provides.
Wayne State College ranks as a solid regional option among Nebraska's public institutions, delivering consistent outcomes for students seeking an affordable pathway to career success. Located in Wayne, this medium-sized public college serves a substantial population of first-generation students—about 34% of the student body—while maintaining net prices that remain well below national averages across all income levels. The institution demonstrates particular strength in affordability, ranking in the top third nationally for keeping costs manageable for families.
What distinguishes Wayne State College is its role as an "Opportunity Builder," providing accessible education that helps students achieve meaningful career advancement. While the college maintains moderate selectivity, it successfully graduates 56% of students within six years, with Pell Grant recipients completing at rates that closely match the overall student body. The institution's focus on practical, career-oriented programs in business, education, and technology creates clear pathways to stable employment in the regional economy.
Graduates earn a median of $47,075 ten years after enrollment, reflecting solid returns on investment for a regional public institution. The college's strength lies not in producing the highest earners, but in providing reliable, debt-conscious education that prepares students for sustainable careers in Nebraska and the broader Midwest region.
Wayne State College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution preparing students for careers in Nebraska's key economic sectors. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program, with 110 graduates, and the highest aggregate return generator, combining substantial enrollment with solid early-career earnings around $37,503. This program serves as the college's economic engine, preparing students for management and entrepreneurship roles throughout the region.
Information Science represents the college's highest-earning major, with graduates earning approximately $50,439 early in their careers. Though smaller with 21 graduates, this program demonstrates Wayne State's ability to prepare students for technology roles that command premium salaries even in the Midwest. Adult and Continuing Education, with 70 graduates earning around $34,187, reflects the college's strong commitment to preparing educators for regional school systems, a critical workforce need in rural Nebraska.
The program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that align with regional employment opportunities. While earnings vary by field, all programs provide pathways to stable, middle-class careers that justify the modest investment students make. The college's focus on business, education, and technology creates a balanced portfolio that serves both individual student needs and broader regional economic development goals.
Wayne State College graduates achieve solid, predictable earnings that reflect the institution's focus on practical career preparation. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $47,075, positioning the college around the national average for similar institutions. While earnings may not reach the levels seen at major research universities, they represent meaningful returns for students who typically enter with modest family backgrounds and graduate with manageable debt levels.
The college's strongest financial outcomes come from its business and information technology programs. Business Administration graduates, representing the largest program with 110 students, earn around $37,503 early in their careers, while Information Science majors achieve notably higher earnings at approximately $50,439. Adult and Continuing Education, another substantial program with 70 graduates, produces earnings around $34,187, reflecting the college's commitment to preparing educators for regional school systems. These programs align well with Nebraska's economic landscape, where business services, education, and technology sectors provide stable employment opportunities.
What makes Wayne State College particularly valuable is how its graduates manage to achieve these earnings with relatively low debt burdens. The combination of affordable net prices and practical program focus means students can build solid careers without the financial stress that often accompanies higher-cost institutions. For students planning to work in Nebraska or the broader Midwest, these earnings provide comfortable living standards in a region where cost of living remains moderate.
Wayne State College stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it one of the more accessible public institutions in the region. Low-income students pay approximately $11,461 annually, well below what most public colleges charge, while middle-income families see costs around $14,607 per year. Even high-income families pay just $17,721, demonstrating the college's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
The institution's debt profile reflects this affordability focus. Typical graduates leave with about $19,000 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the college's earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,809, indicating that many families can cover substantial portions of college costs through grants, work, and savings rather than relying heavily on loans. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Wayne State College demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes the college particularly sustainable financially is how well debt levels align with post-graduation earnings. At median earnings of $47,075, graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain. The college's loan repayment data shows that borrowers consistently pay down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance across all measured time periods, indicating that the education investment pays off reliably for most students.
Wayne State College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
