Michigan State University vs Wayne State University: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Michigan State University | Wayne 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 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 9.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $299,140 | $51,596 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University, at $12,766 a year after aid versus $19,680 — a gap of $6,914 a year, or $27,656 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Michigan State University or Wayne State University graduates earn more?
Michigan State University graduates report a median $67,253 ten years after entry, $13,760 more than the $53,493 at Wayne State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Michigan State University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Michigan State University, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
81% of students finish at Michigan State University, against 58% at Wayne State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.