Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Michigan State University vs Wayne State University: which has better ROI?

Public, East Lansing MI · vs · Public, Detroit MI

The verdict

Michigan State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,720 in 4.2 years versus 9.9 years at Wayne State University, on median earnings of $67,253 vs $53,493 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureMichigan State UniversityWayne State University
Net price / yr$19,680$12,766
Total net cost$78,720$51,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,253$53,493
Median debt$23,250$21,250
Payback4.2 yrs9.9 yrs
20-year net return$299,140$51,596

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