Mathematics at Wayne State University

With debt of just $27,000—landing in the 5th percentile nationally—Wayne State's mathematics program represents one of the more affordable paths to a STEM degree you'll find. Based on comparable programs across Michigan, graduates typically earn around $47,951 in their first year, which creates a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means your child would owe about half their first year's salary, a reasonable starting point for a field that typically offers steady career progression.

The four-year earnings figure of $46,651 might initially seem flat, but this likely reflects career timing rather than trajectory—some graduates pursue additional education while others enter fields like teaching where initial salaries start lower but include benefits and stability. Michigan's mathematics programs cluster tightly around this $48,000 range, with the notable exception of University of Michigan's graduates who command significantly higher salaries. What matters here is that Wayne State achieves similar outcomes to Michigan State at comparable debt levels, serving a student body where 43% receive Pell grants.

The affordability advantage is substantial. Your child would graduate owing $5,500 less than the national median for mathematics programs, while earning close to typical starting salaries for the field. For families concerned about minimizing educational debt while maintaining access to quantitative careers in data analysis, actuarial science, or technology, this combination makes practical sense—even if the ceiling isn't as high as Michigan's elite program.