Psychology at Wayne State University

Wayne State's psychology program starts graduates at just $29,255—below both state and national medians—but the story improves dramatically from there. Within four years, earnings jump 56% to $45,540, vaulting past not just the state median but also ahead of seemingly stronger programs like Rochester University and University of Michigan-Dearborn. This earnings trajectory suggests graduates who stay the course can overcome a sluggish start, though that first year will be financially tight.

The $26,087 in debt sits right at the national median, translating to roughly 90% of first-year earnings. For context, psychology graduates typically face challenging immediate job markets regardless of school. What distinguishes Wayne State is the reliable upward trajectory afterward—a pattern that may reflect Detroit's growing healthcare and social services sectors where psychology degrees find practical application. At 40th percentile within Michigan, this program sits squarely in the middle of state options, neither standout nor concerning.

The real calculation here: can your family weather that difficult first year when earnings barely crack $29,000? If so, the data suggests patience pays off. Wayne State serves a largely first-generation, working-class student body (43% on Pell grants), and these outcomes reflect graduates who build careers steadily rather than landing prestigious positions immediately. For families seeking affordable access to a legitimate career path—not quick payoff—this program delivers on that more modest promise.