Wayne State University serves as a Mobility Engine institution, combining 82% admission rate with top-tier mobility performance. The university generates significant earnings uplift for graduates while enrolling substantial shares of first-generation and Pell-eligible students, demonstrating exceptional effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement opportunities.
With above average designation, driven by earnings beyond expectations despite median earnings around national averages
With above average performance, reflecting controlled net costs and manageable debt levels for graduates
With top-tier performance, indicating well above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to peer institutions
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's exceptional ability to serve diverse student populations while delivering strong economic outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisWayne State University delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels for graduates. Students earn a median of $53,493 ten years after enrollment, around the national average at the 52nd percentile.
However, the institution generates $9,150 in earnings beyond what would be predicted based on student backgrounds, placing it well above average at the 84.0th percentile for this value-added measure. Earnings span from $29,797 at the 25th percentile to $79,117 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the diversity of career paths across Wayne State University's program portfolio.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at an accessible public research university. Particularly well-suited for first-generation students (37.6%) and Pell-eligible students (43.0%) who want diverse program options in business, health, and technology fields with manageable debt levels.
Wayne State University admits approximately 82.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 out of 5 applicants receive admission offers. This places Wayne State University in the Open Access category with admission rates above 75%, indicating broad accessibility for qualified Michigan residents and out-of-state students.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Wayne State University admits students at rates slightly above comparable public research universities, making it more accessible than typical institutional peers. This level of accessibility means that students meeting basic academic requirements face favorable admission odds compared to highly selective institutions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Wayne State University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,794 annually, including $14,297 in-state tuition, $30,419 out-of-state tuition, $11,762 for room and board, and $1,316 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to financial aid, with net costs averaging $14,773 after aid packages are applied.
This represents financial aid savings of $12,021 on average, reducing the cost burden substantially for enrolled students. Wayne State University's net price sits $817 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating costs are slightly higher than comparable public research universities.
The difference between sticker price and actual costs highlights the importance of financial aid in making Wayne State University accessible to diverse student populations. Michigan residents benefit from in-state tuition rates that are significantly lower than out-of-state charges, though both groups receive need-based aid consideration.
Students should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as financial aid can dramatically reduce actual expenses for families demonstrating need through FAFSA applications.
Artificial Intelligence.
156 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
64 graduates
Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.
15 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
84 graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
105 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Connecticut Similar quality tier (#112 ranked) | CT | 54% | $73,997 | #112 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
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This is the Wayne State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/wayne-state-university/analysis.
Top-tier mobility with accessible admission
Wayne State University ranks #113 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, with mobility performance at the 95.1st percentile and top-tier performance designation. Located in Detroit, Michigan, this large public research university maintains open access admission with an 82.0% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic mobility outcomes for diverse student populations.
Wayne State University enrolls 43.0% Pell-eligible students and 37.6% first-generation students, significantly above typical levels for four-year institutions. As a Mobility Engine institution, Wayne State University combines broad educational access with earnings outcomes that exceed expectations.
Graduates earn $9,150 beyond what would be predicted based on student demographics, ranking at the 84.0th percentile nationally for this uplift measure. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years after enrollment, around the national average at the 52nd percentile.
The university demonstrates particularly strong performance in serving low-income students, with these graduates earning $55,500, ranking at the top 25% nationally for low-income earnings outcomes.
For prospective students, Wayne State University's admission rate indicates the institution prioritizes educational access while maintaining academic standards appropriate for a research university. Students should view Wayne State University as an accessible option within Michigan's public university system, though they should still demonstrate academic preparation through coursework rigor and standardized test performance.
The broad admission rate allows students to focus on program fit and career outcomes rather than admission uncertainty when building their college application strategy.
Wayne State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $45,207 six years after enrollment to $50,384 at eight years and $53,493 at ten years, representing 18.3% growth from the six-year mark to the ten-year point.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 4,810 graduates at six years, 6,128 at eight years, and 6,825 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Wayne State University produces $9,150 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 84.0th percentile for this uplift measure and earning a well above average tier designation.
Low-income graduates achieve particularly strong outcomes, earning $55,500 annually, which exceeds the overall institutional median and ranks in the top 25% nationally for low-income earnings. The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with graduates at the 75th percentile earning $79,117 compared to $29,797 at the 25th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 24.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Wayne State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. International Business ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Michigan, producing 186 graduates with strong median earnings of $72,684 and an excellent value score of 86.3.
Artificial Intelligence ranks #31 nationally and #2 in Michigan, graduating 156 students with the highest institutional earnings at $98,072. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences ranks #1 nationally and #1 in Michigan, with 105 graduates earning $92,578 annually and achieving a perfect value score of 100.0.
Executive Career Coaching ranks #13 nationally and #4 in Michigan, graduating 155 students with median earnings of $56,255. Psychology General serves as the largest program with 316 graduates, ranking #1 in Michigan and #84 nationally with earnings of $45,540.
Mechanical Engineering rounds out the top performers, ranking #32 nationally and #2 in Michigan with 84 graduates earning $94,043. The institution demonstrates particular strength in business and health-related fields, with multiple programs achieving top-10 national rankings.
California State University-Chico Similar quality tier (#110 ranked) | CA | 94% | $64,172 | #110 | Compare |
Ohio State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier in Midwest (#109 ranked) | OH | 51% | $60,409 | #109 | Compare |
University Of Utah Similar quality tier (#107 ranked) | UT | 87% | $67,170 | #107 | Compare |
University Of Washington-Bothell Campus Similar quality tier (#113 ranked) | WA | 92% | $78,466 | #113 | Compare |
