Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,723
5th percentile (25th in MI)
Sample Size
17
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Wayne State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Wayne State University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all geological and earth sciences/geosciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Wayne State University$30,723$40,747
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$45,974$52,374$17,8750.39
Michigan State University$39,997$53,608$29,8690.75
Grand Valley State University$38,675$28,7500.74
Central Michigan University$35,235$52,964$31,0000.88
National Median$39,678$24,7570.62

Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
$17,228$45,974$17,875
Michigan State University
East Lansing
$15,988$39,997$29,869
Grand Valley State University
Allendale
$14,628$38,675$28,750
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant
$14,190$35,235$31,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wayne State University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.