Location: Detroit, MI•In-State Tuition: $14,297•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,419•Admission Rate: 82%•Avg SAT: 1147
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,767
24th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$30,750
30% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.79 ManageableSample: 25 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Wayne State's Public Administration bachelor's produces first-year earnings of $38,767—about 14% below the national median but exactly matching Michigan's state median. While this might initially seem disappointing, the program actually ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan schools, beating programs at larger institutions like Grand Valley State. The key advantage here is debt: at $30,750, graduates carry about $7,000 more than the national median but only slightly above Michigan's typical debt load, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79.

The real question is whether public sector career paths—which this degree typically leads to—align with your family's financial expectations. Government and nonprofit salaries start modest but offer stability, benefits, and loan forgiveness programs that aren't captured in these first-year numbers. Given Wayne State's mission serving Detroit's working-class students (43% receive Pell grants), many graduates may prioritize public service over maximizing income.

The small sample size here matters—fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. If your child is committed to public administration work and wants to stay in Michigan, this program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with reasonable debt. But if they're uncertain about the career path, the below-average national earnings should prompt serious consideration of whether this specific major makes financial sense.

Where Wayne State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public administration bachelors's programs nationally

Wayne State UniversityOther public administration programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Wayne State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Wayne State University earns $39k — 24th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Wayne State UniversityDetroit$14,297$38,767—$30,7500.79
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$46,301—$27,5000.59
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$36,236$42,633$25,6970.71
National Median—$45,278—$23,6260.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public administration graduates

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

$83,720/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Legislators

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.