Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Wayne State University vary significantly by field of study, from high-earning technical programs to public service pathways. The data below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment records rather than reputation or rankings.
Analyzing 52 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale at Wayne State University.
#31 nationally
$93K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Wayne State University.
Engineering and technology programs represent Wayne State University's highest-earning academic pathways. Artificial Intelligence leads with exceptional earnings of $98,072 and ranks #31 nationally, graduating 156 students with strong value scores.
Mechanical Engineering produces earnings of $94,043 with #32 national ranking, though smaller cohorts of 84 graduates. These programs deliver outstanding return on investment and rank among Wayne State University's flagship offerings, best suited for students seeking maximum earning potential in technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #31 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes measured through federal earnings data from the College Scorecard, not academic reputation or prestige. Earnings represent median income four years after graduation, while debt figures show typical borrowing levels for program completers. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Rankings vary significantly because different programs prepare students for distinct career markets with different compensation levels - a Computer Science graduate typically enters higher-paying technology roles than an Education graduate entering public school teaching. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and institutional capacity, with larger programs generally providing more course options and faculty resources. Students should evaluate programs based on career goals and personal interests rather than rankings alone, as lower-earning programs often provide essential public services and pathways to graduate education that may offer long-term value beyond initial salary levels.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $98,072★ |
| $16,272 |
| 156 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #55 | $97,679 | — | 64 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #2 | $94,247 | — | 15 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #32 | $94,043 | — | 84 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #88 | $89,339 | — | 37 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #54 | $77,401 | — | 26 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #111 | $76,871 | — | 37 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #35 | $53,310 | — | 15 |
Business programs at Wayne State University show remarkable diversity in specialization and outcomes. International Business ranks #8 nationally with strong earnings of $72,684 and serves as a flagship program with 186 graduates.
Executive/Career Coaching ranks #13 nationally with $56,255 earnings, while Digital Marketing and Banking services show moderate earnings in the $54,000-$62,000 range. Accounting Technology produces $62,911 with solid enrollment.
This group offers pathways from elite international business to practical professional services, suited for students seeking diverse business career options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #32 | $74,781★ | — | 78 |
| International Business. | #10 | $72,684 | $16,000 | 186 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #166 | $62,911 | — | 116 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #137 | $62,197 | $21,247 | 140 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #16 | $56,255 | $13,076 | 155 |
| Digital Marketing. | #91 | $54,580 | $21,243 | 141 |
Health programs at Wayne State University demonstrate exceptional variation in outcomes and national recognition. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences ranks #1 nationally with outstanding earnings of $92,578, while Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces $67,571 with substantial enrollment of 147 graduates.
Behavioral Aspects of Health shows more modest earnings at $32,584 but maintains strong enrollment with 169 graduates. This group spans from top-tier national performers to accessible healthcare pathways, suited for students prioritizing either maximum earnings potential or broad healthcare access.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #1 🏆 | $92,578★ | — | 105 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #223 | $67,571 | — | 147 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #50 | $62,909 | — | 20 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #36 | $62,551 | — | 12 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #102 | $49,131 | — | 39 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #86 | $32,584 | $25,301 | 169 |
Biological sciences at Wayne State University focus primarily on foundational preparation with moderate earnings outcomes. Biology General produces earnings of $45,757 with substantial enrollment of 170 graduates, ranking #147 nationally and #5 in Michigan.
While earnings remain modest compared to technical programs, the large cohort size indicates strong student demand and institutional capacity. This program serves students prioritizing scientific preparation for graduate study or healthcare pathways rather than immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #232 | $46,651★ | — | 21 |
| Biology, General. | #147 | $45,757 | $12,455 | 170 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | — | $40,747 | — | 9 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #183 | $33,275 | — | 55 |
Social sciences programs emphasize public service and human services pathways with corresponding earnings levels. Psychology General serves as Wayne State University's largest program with 316 graduates earning $45,540, ranking #1 in Michigan despite modest national placement.
Forensic Social Work produces $41,817 with 122 graduates, showing specialized career preparation. These programs prioritize social impact and graduate school preparation over immediate earnings, suited for students committed to helping professions and community service.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #88 | $73,856★ | — | 36 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #172 | $48,921 | — | 74 |
| Psychology, General. | #86 | $45,540 | $14,263 | 316 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #179 | $42,720 | — | 55 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #84 | $41,817 | $10,406 | 122 |
| Anthropology, General. | #88 | $36,453 | — | 27 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs.Small sample | #19 | $32,119 | — | 12 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #37 | $30,173 | — | 24 |
Advertising. leads communications with 53K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #49 | $52,584★ | — | 28 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #51 | $49,878 | — | 35 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.Small sample | #65 | $38,706 | — | 18 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #270 | $26,933 | — | 48 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 37K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies.Small sample | #9 | $65,563★ | — | 12 |
| American History (United States). | #157 | $46,502 | — | 21 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #118 | $38,783 | — | 39 |
| Brass Instruments. | #86 | $36,019 | — | 42 |
| Ballet. | #12 | $32,258 | — | 21 |
| Acting. | #68 | $30,701 | — | 30 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #78 | $29,685 | — | 22 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #301 | $27,648 | — | 59 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #78 | $23,113 | — | 24 |
Education programs focus on teacher preparation with outcomes reflecting public service career paths. Agricultural Teacher Education produces $43,965 earnings with solid national ranking at #44, graduating 129 students and ranking #1 in Michigan.
While earnings levels remain modest, the program demonstrates Wayne State University's commitment to preparing educators for specialized fields. This pathway suits students prioritizing educational service and long-term career stability over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #58 | $44,713★ | — | 22 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #49 | $43,965 | $16,000 | 129 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #140 | $41,706 | — | 81 |
Criminal justice programs prepare students for law enforcement and corrections careers with moderate earnings outcomes. Corrections Administration produces $50,227 earnings with 99 graduates, ranking #74 nationally and #4 in Michigan.
The program reflects Wayne State University's urban setting and connection to Detroit's public safety needs. This pathway suits students committed to public safety careers and criminal justice reform, with earnings reflecting public sector employment patterns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #73 | $50,227 | $21,276 | 99 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 44K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Direction/Service. | #2 | $52,829★ | — | 24 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #15 | $42,960 | — | 77 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture. | #19 | $37,005 | $12,000 | 79 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
