Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Grand Valley State University vs Wayne State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Allendale MI · vs · Public, Detroit MI

The verdict

Grand Valley State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $65,268 in 8.4 years versus 9.9 years at Wayne State University, on median earnings of $56,118 vs $53,493 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureGrand Valley State UniversityWayne State University
Net price / yr$16,317$12,766
Total net cost$65,268$51,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,118$53,493
Median debt$24,500$21,250
Payback8.4 yrs9.9 yrs
20-year net return$89,892$51,596

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.