Computer and Information Sciences at Wayne State University

Wayne State delivers impressive returns for a school with an 82% admission rate. First-year graduates earn $77,371—outperforming 88% of computer science programs nationally and keeping pace with Michigan's median earnings. With debt averaging just $20,672, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income. For context, this debt level is notably lower than both the national ($25,000) and state ($25,625) medians for this program.

The trajectory here matters: earnings jump 27% to $98,072 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition into more senior technical roles. While Wayne State sits at the 60th percentile among Michigan programs—behind heavyweights like U-M Ann Arbor and MSU—it's holding its own against schools with far more selective admissions. The fact that 43% of students receive Pell grants makes these outcomes particularly noteworthy.

For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing earning potential, Wayne State offers a compelling path. You're getting outcomes comparable to mid-tier Michigan programs at what's likely a significantly lower total cost, especially for Detroit-area residents. The strong national ranking (88th percentile) suggests this program punches well above its weight class in preparing graduates for the job market.