Management Information Systems and Services at Wayne State University

Wayne State's MIS program starts graduates at roughly the national median ($59,352 versus $59,490 nationally), but here's the catch: it trails the Michigan state median by over $3,000. Among 18 programs in Michigan, this ranks in just the 40th percentile—meaning most of the state's alternatives, including Oakland, Michigan-Dearborn, and Central Michigan, launch graduates into higher-paying roles. With 82% admission rates and 43% of students on Pell grants, Wayne State serves a different demographic than these competitors, but families should know the earnings gap exists.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,250—slightly below both state and national medians—giving graduates a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio. Strong 26% earnings growth to $74,781 by year four shows this degree builds valuable skills that translate into career advancement. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable, not flukes from a small cohort.

For Detroit-area families seeking an accessible MIS program, Wayne State delivers solid fundamentals: manageable debt, real earnings growth, and a credential that opens doors in Michigan's tech sector. Just understand you're trading some first-year earning power—about 8% below the state median—for Wayne State's urban location and lower admission barriers. If your student can gain admission to Central Michigan or Oakland, those programs show meaningfully stronger outcomes. If Wayne State is the realistic option, the math still works, particularly given the affordable debt load.