Mechanical Engineering at Wayne State University

Wayne State's mechanical engineering graduates start at $74,457—a solid salary that beats the national median and places the program in the 74th percentile nationally. However, Michigan families should note this ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide, trailing competitors like Michigan State ($80,259) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($82,823) by $6,000-$8,000 at the starting gate. With an 82% admission rate and a substantial Pell grant population (43%), Wayne State serves students who might not access those more selective programs.

The program's strength lies in its trajectory and affordability. Earnings jump 26% by year four to reach $94,043, and the debt load of $24,140 is manageable—roughly a third of first-year earnings and below both state and national medians. For families prioritizing access and reasonable costs over maximum starting salary, this equation makes sense. Detroit's automotive and manufacturing base provides real industry connections that translate into that solid earnings growth.

The question isn't whether this program delivers value—it clearly does—but whether the $6,000-$8,000 initial salary gap matters enough to pursue more competitive options. For students who can get into Michigan or MSU, those programs may offer stronger immediate returns. For everyone else, Wayne State provides a legitimate path into well-paying mechanical engineering work without crushing debt.